Jerry D. Akers

Jerry Dean Akers (also known as Honey, Dad and Grandad), age 89, passed away on Wednesday June 22, 2022.  While the sweet staff at Eastside Healthcare Center in Pittsfield provided for his every need, he heard his beloved wife’s voice one last time and took his last, peaceful breath holding his daughter’s hand. 

Jerry was born on June 24, 1932, in Pearl, IL, to proud parents George and Ethel Scott Akers.  They helped him graduate as Valedictorian of Pearl High School in 1950.

He married his first and only love, Doris Smith, on July 11, 1953, at the Pearl Church of Christ building-the place where they would worship and serve together for most of the next 70 years.  Doris supported him as song leader, Bible class teacher and elder.  While Doris has outlived him, she cannot outlive his love.  She was his treasure.

They started their marriage in West Virginia where Jerry served as military police for the United States Army from 1952-1954.  When they moved back to Pearl, he took up farming.  Farming was his passion and farming on the seat of a John Deere tractor was the pinnacle of happiness for him.  Later, Jerry worked as the Pearl Postmaster for 28 years, before retiring in 1992.

When his children Roger (Peggy) Akers and Debra (John) Dunn were born, he loved watching them grow.  They grew into wonderful people who also, to his great joy, gave their hearts to the Lord.  They gave him six grandchildren: Christopher (Cory) Akers, Kelli (Chris) Wilson, Jennifer (Benjamin) Tarmann, Carrie (Chris) Sergio, Jill (Chase) Schroeder and Jay Dunn.  He loved them all with a fierceness that protected them and encouraged them to grow and bless others. He was so proud that all his grandchildren loved the Lord and gave their lives to Him.   His eleven great-grandchildren brought immeasurable joy to him in his old age.  He was also thankful for his bonus son-in-law, Tracey Conkright, who treated him like a father to his dying day.

Jerry did not view death as the great enemy, but believed that God is faithful and that He always keeps His promises.  He trusted that he would wake and see His Savior and those who went before him, especially his in-laws, Oren and Lucille Smith; his brother-in-law, Keith Smith; and his beloved son, Roger Akers. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 27, 2022 at 1 PM at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with burial to follow at Greenpond Cemetery near Pearl.  Visitation will be prior to the service on Monday from 11 AM to 1 PM at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Pearl Church of Christ or New Pleasant Grove Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Jerry won’t be there that day-he has moved on-but feel free to tell a joke, whistle a tune and spread love big and wide in his memory.

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